Southeast Asia’s geographic location and burgeoning economy puts them in the center of strategic plans by neighboring China, and rivalling U.S.-interests. The path forward for the region’s states will demand acute political maneuvering.

Europe’s dealings with China vary greatly from the level of the European Union down to each member’s policies, however explicit they may be. Germany’s role as a leader in Europe makes its own approach to China an important indicator of what the rest of the EU may do.

Despite the prevailing view of "structural fatalism" in Sino-American relations, there is a growing determination on the part of both Chinese and American leaderships to engage in direct dialogue and build trust. A high-level, face-to-face meeting between Presidents Xi and Biden is essential for addressing critical questions, clarifying baselines, and signaling the willingness for further communication, with a focus on managing the Sino-U.S. relationship.

A recent wave of international summits, including the United Nations Security Council and G20, prompts questions about their effectiveness in addressing global issues. But several of these bilateral and multilateral partnerships will likely be high on the agenda of the expected meeting between Presidents Xi and Biden at next month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

Indonesia is one of the world’s most populous nations, and is rising in regional and international influence. Taking charge as ASEAN chairman amid a contentious time among member states is Indonesia’s chance to prove its ability to lead Southeast Asia and the world in the coming decades.

It is based on American-style multilateralism but transcends it. China wants to optimize the existing order rather than create a new one. It wants to inherit the American style’s merits but correct its defects and add an element of consultation.

Domestic stability on both sides is the key to managing China-U.S. relations. But political calm is an uncertain — even unlikely — commodity, given the mixed messages delivered by high-level American officials before, during and after their visits to Beijing. The coming U.S. presidential election virtually guarantees heated rhetoric on China.

Even though the United States acknowledges that the world is undergoing significant changes, it has failed to grasp the nature of the transformation. This is lamentable, not a positive development for the global community.

Xi Jinping's absence from the G20 summit suggests a shift in China's foreign policy towards creating alternative international alliances. There are also questions about China's intentions and what the potential consequences will be if China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi doesn't address protocol and logistical issues for future international events.

The most significant takeaway from the September G20 Summit in New Delhi was the emergence of the Global South as a key political voice in a bitterly divided world.